How to Pronounce Tributary

To pronounce "tributary", say TRIB-ut-ary — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈtɹɪbjʊtəɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

tributary

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/ˈtɹɪbjʊtəɹi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “tributary”

"tributary" has 3 syllables: trib-ut-ary. It rhymes with extraordinary and contemporary, if that helps it stick.

What does tributary mean?

noun

  1. A natural water stream that flows into a larger river or other body of water.
  2. A nation, state, or other entity that pays tribute.

adjective

  1. Related to the paying of tribute.
  2. Subordinate; inferior

Synonyms

affluent

Hear “tributary” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with tributary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

extraordinarycontemporarycontrarysanctuarysolitaryarbitrarywaryordinarytarryemissarycarryancillary

Related words

feedersecondaryaffluentinfluentinletfunctiontaxationhostage

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "tributary"?▾

"Tributary" has 3 syllables: trib · ut · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "tributary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "tributary" is /ˈtɹɪbjʊtəɹi/.

What does "tributary" mean?▾

Tributary: A natural water stream that flows into a larger river or other body of water.

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